United Way of the Flint Hills Director Daphne Mertens will be moving out of her current role because of a move to another state.
On Saturday, Mertens confirmed a social media post saying her husband, Mike, has recently accepted a job promotion taking them to the Chicago area. This sets up a phased transition for the family, with Mike Mertens and their son, Brooks, moving by the end of February. Daphne Mertens and a daughter, Savannah, will stay in Emporia until May. Two other daughters, Baileigh and Hadley, will stay in Kansas.
Daphne Mertens became executive director of the United Way in January 2024, following current SOS director Mickey Edwards, after serving as an administrator for Healthier Lyon County for a decade. She tells KVOE News the United Way work has been gratifying because of the range of assistance the United Way continues to provide for people in Lyon, Chase, Coffey, Greenwood, Morris, Osage, Wabaunsee and Woodson counties.
United Way Board President Scott Hayes says Mertens has been an innovative leader who has helped to broaden the United Way’s reach during her time.
Specific qualities are pending, but Hayes says the United Way is looking for somebody who isn’t afraid to ask questions and try new ideas as the United Way continues its work to serve more people.
The announcement comes with the United Way in the middle of its annual fundraising campaign. On KVOE’s Newsmaker segment on Friday, just a day before announcing her upcoming move, Mertens says significant recent donations by Simmons Pet Food, USD 253 Emporia Public Schools have set the tone as the calendar year comes to an end and needs continue at a high level areawide.
As part of its current duties, the United Way also continues its work to alleviate food insecurity, whether through the Food Relief Rapid Response Team or developing a service model to succeed Abundant Harvest by the end of the year. Mertens says the United Way is focusing on families that are employed but are still struggling to get the food they need or pay bills like rent or utilities. Assistance is available for families on Mondays by calling 620-342-7564. Plans for Abundant Harvest, meanwhile, are still centered on some sort of coalition to supply packaged food items and to find a state-approved food kitchen for re-heatable meals
Mertens plans to depart shortly after the annual campaign celebration in mid-May, giving her a chance to get the new director up to speed. She encourages the new director to put their heart and soul into the work.
We’ll have updates on the search as it unfolds next year.
